QNAP launches next-gen SAS expansion cards
QNAP Systems has announced a new generation of SAS storage expansion cards that let businesses scale their infrastructure up to 4.6 petabytes. The QXP line targets enterprises that need massive, high-speed capacity linked directly to QNAP NAS systems.
The two models introduced are the QXP-830S-3808 and the QXP-1630S-3816. Both are designed to provide high-speed connectivity between QNAP NAS units and TL SAS JBOD expansion chassis. QNAP positions the cards as a way to deliver petabyte-class capacity without sacrificing transfer speeds required for virtualization, critical backups, and media workflows.
Compact, high-density capacity
QNAP emphasizes storage density as the main advantage. By daisy-chaining TL SAS JBOD enclosures, organizations can increase server capacity without replacing core infrastructure.
The company lists two capacity tiers depending on the model chosen:
QXP-830S-3808 (two ports): up to 2.3 PB raw capacity. Availability is expected in the first quarter of 2026.
QXP-1630S-3816 (four ports): up to 4.6 PB raw capacity, aimed at data centers with heavy archival and processing needs.
Physically, the cards remain compact. At 123.9 mm by 68.9 mm, they are intended for installation in servers with limited space while avoiding obstruction of airflow or other critical components.
Performance and future-proof architecture
The cards use a PCIe Gen 4 x8 interface to increase available bandwidth. Compared with previous generations, this reduces bottlenecks in data transfer between the host server and expansion units.
QNAP product manager Waterball Liu highlights the architectural benefits: “With the QXP-830S-3808 and QXP-1630S-3816 storage expansion cards, businesses can confidently scale their storage infrastructure while maintaining speed, security, and reliability. These cards deliver robust performance for petabyte-scale deployments with a future-ready architecture.”
Compatibility requirements
To use these new 12Gb/s SAS cards, administrators must ensure their NAS systems run the required QNAP firmware versions.
QNAP specifies these minimum software versions:
- QTS: Version 5.2.5.3145 or later
- QuTS hero: Version h5.2.5.3138 or later
- QES: Version 20250306-2.2.1.2220 or later
Conclusion
With these PCIe Gen4 expansion cards, QNAP strengthens its enterprise storage lineup by offering a modular path to multi-petabyte capacity. The ability to reach 4.6 PB using compact PCIe cards underscores a shift in focus toward density and infrastructure efficiency. Organizations will need to verify that their existing NAS hardware and firmware meet QNAP’s compatibility requirements before scaling to these levels.
| Model | Key details |
| QXP-830S-3808 | Two ports; up to 2.3 PB raw capacity; availability expected Q1 2026 |
| QXP-1630S-3816 | Four ports; up to 4.6 PB raw capacity |
| Interface | PCIe Gen 4 x8; SAS 12Gb/s |
| Dimensions | 123.9 mm x 68.9 mm |
| Minimum software requirements | QTS 5.2.5.3145+, QuTS hero h5.2.5.3138+, QES 20250306-2.2.1.2220+ |
